The BC Government is providing support for three local events this year, including Shambhala Music Festival.
Funding is being provided through the province’s Destination Events Program, which aims to help offset rising costs for event organizers and support tourism-driven economic activity.
BC New Democrat MLA Brittny Anderson said in a press release that global inflation is making it more difficult for large-scale events to operate.
“The Kootenays are home to world-class events that bring in people from near and far, year after year – but with global inflation causing increased costs, it is getting harder to make these events happen,” Anderson said.
“That’s why we are providing funding to help these events continue, and I’m looking forward to seeing these events in turn provide benefits for our local tourism businesses.”
Shambhala Music Festival will receive $120,000 for its July 2026 event.
Other recipients include the Trans BC Enduro Race, which is receiving $38,000, Starbelly Jam Music Festival is getting $19,000, and the Nelson International Mural Festival, which is receiving $14,000 for August 2026 programming.
The province said the program is designed to support events that draw visitors, contribute to local economies and enhance quality of life in host communities.
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